ECU Chip Install

i325 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 10:25 AM

Hello guys I was looking at a chip for my 94 325i from TMS. I will get the correct info for my ecu before buying the chip but i was just wondering how to install the chip. I know how to get the ecu out just not how to get the stock chip out or where the stock chip is for that matter. any pictures would be great =D

txaviator · #2 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 09:09 PM

i havent opened my e36 ECU yet, but my E34 was veryyyyy easy, though i seem to recall needing a special hex/star to open the ECU....

its going to be obvious when you open it where the chip goes, just look for the one that looks identical!

also when you remove the chip, note the orientation...ibelieve there was a notch in one end. make sure to put the new chip in the same way.

ENJOY! the chip made a HUGE difference in my E34. looking forward to chipping my E36 too!

Angeleus · #3 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 03:13 PM

do you have an auto tranny or is it stick?

Either way it's DME that's on the bottom. (Auto will have a secondary one that sits on top of the ECU)

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOODS

i325 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 11:25 PM

It is a 5 speed. will I have to take the ecu out or can I just pop it open? I heard that if i disconnect the ecu i have to go to the dealer to have them reinitialize it. Does the stock chip just come right out or is it secured in there some how?

Angeleus · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 10:16 AM

Click on the link I posted up above, it'll explain everything for you.

i325 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 10:34 PM

Hey thanks that is exactly what I was looking for! oh and by the way nice car. i love it. =)

Angeleus · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 10:18 AM

lol, thanks let us know how it goes with your chip install.

substream · #8 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 01:43 AM

You will have to take the ECU completely out, but you will not have to take it to the dealership.. hah I've never even heard of that one.
BUT
There are two ECUs that were used in the E36. Hopefully you have the easy one where the chip is right there as soon as you open the box (which will require a Torx screwdriver, as txaviator mentioned). The other type is the "sandwich" type where there are two circuit boards stacked inside the box and you need to pry them apart to access the chip. That's the type I had and it's a big pain in the ass. I can't seem to find the DIY I used for taking it all apart, but if you open yours and find that it's a sandwich, I'll be glad to give you some instructions on getting to the chip!

Dazza-mate · #9 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by substream

You will have to take the ECU completely out, but you will not have to take it to the dealership.. hah I've never even heard of that one.
BUT
There are two ECUs that were used in the E36. Hopefully you have the easy one where the chip is right there as soon as you open the box (which will require a Torx screwdriver, as txaviator mentioned). The other type is the "sandwich" type where there are two circuit boards stacked inside the box and you need to pry them apart to access the chip. That's the type I had and it's a big pain in the ass. I can't seem to find the DIY I used for taking it all apart, but if you open yours and find that it's a sandwich, I'll be glad to give you some instructions on getting to the chip!

Did the same on my e36, had the 2 circuit boards, that thing is a pain to pull all apart, the worst was near the end when you need to separate the connector plug from the circuit boards to pry them open, I couldn't get my precision tools to hold it down while i wriggled it off... Oh, the frustration!!!

substream · #10 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dazza-mate

Did the same on my e36, had the 2 circuit boards, that thing is a pain to pull all apart, the worst was near the end when you need to separate the connector plug from the circuit boards to pry them open, I couldn't get my precision tools to hold it down while i wriggled it off... Oh, the frustration!!!

Oh yeah, and the whole time you're just freaking out that you might break it, or you might have already broken it and you're going to need a new thousand-dollar ECU or whatever they cost... haha totally worth it though

Dazza-mate · #11 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by substream

Oh yeah, and the whole time you're just freaking out that you might break it, or you might have already broken it and you're going to need a new thousand-dollar ECU or whatever they cost... haha totally worth it though

Yeah, when I started to pull the thing apart and it snapped free, I had a cold shiver run down my back, for one second I thought I actually broke the circuit board... But all good. Then I had put the chip in put it all back together, fastened it back into the harness, bolted it down, all good so far, then I tried to start the car and NOTHING, my mind just went "FARK!"

Oh wait!!! I need to put back the big block fuses I removed when I took the box out...

IT STARTS!!!! FTW FTW FTW FTW FTW FTW

substream · #12 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dazza-mate

Yeah, when I started to pull the thing apart and it snapped free, I had a cold shiver run down my back, for one second I thought I actually broke the circuit board... But all good. Then I had put the chip in put it all back together, fastened it back into the harness, bolted it down, all good so far, then I tried to start the car and NOTHING, my mind just went "FARK!"

Oh wait!!! I need to put back the big block fuses I removed when I took the box out...

IT STARTS!!!! FTW FTW FTW FTW FTW FTW

hahaha I would have freaked the hell out. What fuses did you have to remove to get to the ECU?? Mine was easily accessible.
(sorry for semi-hijacking this thread)

Dazza-mate · #13 (**permalink**) 06-26-2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by substream

hahaha I would have freaked the hell out. What fuses did you have to remove to get to the ECU?? Mine was easily accessible.
(sorry for semi-hijacking this thread)

Well I think because my car is an Aussie model, so right hand drive, so everything is in reverse, and my whole fuse box just about blocks me from touching anything ECU wise :S

substream · #14 (**permalink**) 06-27-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dazza-mate

Well I think because my car is an Aussie model, so right hand drive, so everything is in reverse, and my whole fuse box just about blocks me from touching anything ECU wise :S

Oooh, I see. hah yeah, I bet that's a pain in the ass. There's NOTHING blocking the space in front of where my ECU goes. It seems really awkward and wasted under the hood, actually.. haha